Asperger’s Disorder
Asperger’s Disorder was a term previously used to describe one of the pervasive
developmental disorders. Children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder
had problems in the development of social skills, often experiencing difficulty interacting
with peers. They also tended to display unusual, eccentric or repetitive behaviors.
Asperger’s Disorder was sometimes referred to “high functioning autism.” This is
because many of the children diagnosed with the disorder had average or above average
intelligence and near normal development of speech and language.
In 2013, the diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder was removed from the newly revised
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). Children previously diagnosed with
Asperger’s Disorder were included in the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The new definition covers children who display problems with communication and social
interactions. For example, they may respond inappropriately in conversations or misread
non-verbal cues. They may also have difficulty building friendships appropriate to their
age. In addition, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be overly dependent on
routines, unusually sensitive to changes in their environment, or intensely focused on
specific items.
The decision to combine the categories grew out of research demonstrating that
Asperger’s was not actually a separate “disorder.” Instead, children previously diagnosed
with Asperger’s were better and more accurately described as having a disorder “on the
autism spectrum.” Researchers also hope that the improved accuracy and consistency of
the diagnosis will lead to enhanced research on the cause, treatment and ultimately
prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Child and adolescent psychiatrists have the training and expertise to evaluate Autism
Spectrum Disorders. They can also work with families to design appropriate and effective
treatment programs. Currently, the most effective treatment for Autism Spectrum
Disorder involves a combination of psychotherapy, special education, behavior
modification, and support for families. Some children will also benefit from treatment
with medication.
The outcome for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is related to intellectual
functioning and communication skills. Children with normal or above normal intelligence
and normal or near normal speech and language often finish high school and attend
college. Although difficulties with social interaction and awareness may persist, they can
often do well in specific work settings and develop lasting relationships with family and Aspergers, friends. Access to ongoing counseling, support and assistance increases the likelihood of a positive and successful outcome.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Visit my Websites: WWW.takemetomydoctor.com
WWW.adhdclinictx.com
www.QuaziImam.MD.com
Asperger’s Disorder was a term previously used to describe one of the pervasive
developmental disorders. Children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder
had problems in the development of social skills, often experiencing difficulty interacting
with peers. They also tended to display unusual, eccentric or repetitive behaviors.
Asperger’s Disorder was sometimes referred to “high functioning autism.” This is
because many of the children diagnosed with the disorder had average or above average
intelligence and near normal development of speech and language.
In 2013, the diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder was removed from the newly revised
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). Children previously diagnosed with
Asperger’s Disorder were included in the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The new definition covers children who display problems with communication and social
interactions. For example, they may respond inappropriately in conversations or misread
non-verbal cues. They may also have difficulty building friendships appropriate to their
age. In addition, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be overly dependent on
routines, unusually sensitive to changes in their environment, or intensely focused on
specific items.
The decision to combine the categories grew out of research demonstrating that
Asperger’s was not actually a separate “disorder.” Instead, children previously diagnosed
with Asperger’s were better and more accurately described as having a disorder “on the
autism spectrum.” Researchers also hope that the improved accuracy and consistency of
the diagnosis will lead to enhanced research on the cause, treatment and ultimately
prevention of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Child and adolescent psychiatrists have the training and expertise to evaluate Autism
Spectrum Disorders. They can also work with families to design appropriate and effective
treatment programs. Currently, the most effective treatment for Autism Spectrum
Disorder involves a combination of psychotherapy, special education, behavior
modification, and support for families. Some children will also benefit from treatment
with medication.
The outcome for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is related to intellectual
functioning and communication skills. Children with normal or above normal intelligence
and normal or near normal speech and language often finish high school and attend
college. Although difficulties with social interaction and awareness may persist, they can
often do well in specific work settings and develop lasting relationships with family and Aspergers, friends. Access to ongoing counseling, support and assistance increases the likelihood of a positive and successful outcome.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Visit my Websites: WWW.takemetomydoctor.com
WWW.adhdclinictx.com
www.QuaziImam.MD.com
